Projection display device and remote controller

ABSTRACT

In a projection display device which can be controlled by a remote controller, the remote controller includes a power supply switch button for turning on/off a power supply at a body of the projection display device, a zoom adjuster button for adjusting the zooming of a projection lens, and a focus adjuster button for adjusting the focusing of the projection lens. The projection display device body includes a restricting system which can restrict the adjusting functions of these buttons, so that inadvertent operation of any of these buttons does not affect the projection display device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a projection display device,controllable by a remote controller, which comprises a light source, anoptical system for forming an optical image in accordance with imageinformation as a result of optically processing light beams emitted fromthe light source, a projection lens for projecting the optical image inenlarged form, and a remote controller for controlling the projectiondisplay device.

[0003] 2. Description of Related Art

[0004] A hitherto known projection display device, which can becontrolled by a remote controller, includes a light source, an opticalsystem for forming an optical image in accordance with image informationas a result of optically processing light beams emitted from the lightsource, and a projection lens for projecting the optical image inenlarged form.

[0005] Such a projection display device is used in front of many people,for example, of academic societies, or at conferences or exhibitions.When, for example, a computer is connected to the projection displaydevice in order to display the image on the computer in enlarged form,multimedia presentations can be performed. The presenter explains whatis on the display screen by operating a remote controller. The remotecontroller includes various buttons, for example, that a laser pointerbutton used for specifying the location where the information or imageto be explained is displayed on the display screen; a pointer operationbutton for operating a mouse pointer on the computer; and variousadjuster buttons for adjusting the display screen according to thecircumstances, such as a zoom adjuster button, a focus adjuster button,a power supply switch button, and an image adjuster button.

[0006] However, when a presenter explains what is on the display screenusing such a remote controller, the presenter explains it primarily bylooking at the display screen, so that he may inadvertently press anincorrect adjuster button. Therefore, it is desirable to restrict thefunctions that can be adjusted by the use of the remote controller tothe minimum number required, so that even when a button is pressed anunnecessary function is not executed.

[0007] When there is more than one person making presentations foracademic societies or at exhibitions, the zooming adjusting function andthe focusing adjusting function are rarely adjusted again, once they areset. Therefore, it is desirable to restrict the zooming adjustingfunction and the focusing adjusting function so that incorrectoperations of the zoom adjust button and the focus adjuster button donot occur.

[0008] Similarly with the remote controller, the above-describedprojection display device has a body side power supply switch button,for turning on/off the switches of the projection display device, andbuttons for adjusting what is on the display screen, that is a body sidezoom adjuster button, a body side focus adjuster button, a body sideimage adjuster button, and the like. When explaining what is on thedisplay screen by using a remote controller, it may be better torestrict the body side adjusting functions in order to prevent anoutsider from incorrectly operating the control.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to providea projection display device and a remote controller which are notaffected even when an outsider incorrectly operates any one of theadjuster buttons on the remote controller or on the projection displaydevice body.

[0010] To this end, according to an aspect of the present invention,there is provided a projection display device controllable by a remotecontroller, the projection display device including a light source, anoptical system for forming an optical image in accordance with imageinformation as a result of optically processing light beams emitted fromthe light source, and a projection lens for projecting the optical imagein enlarged form, the projection display device comprising a powersupply switch restricting system for restricting a function of a powersupply switch portion of the remote controller which causes a powersupply to be turned on/off.

[0011] Here, a conventionally known type of circuit may be used for thepower supply switch restricting system. The conventionally known typecircuit does not receive a signal, which is provided from the remotecontroller in order to turn the power supply switch on or off, even whensuch a signal is input into the projection display device.

[0012] For example, the power supply switch restricting system can beformed by a circuit including a switching element which electricallyconnects or disconnects the light-receiving portion for receiving lightfrom the remote controller with the power supply switching circuit ofthe projection display device. In another example, the power supplyswitch restricting system can be formed such that the type of lightsignal that the light-receiving portion receives from the remotecontroller can be selected at a signal processing circuit forming thelight receiving portion.

[0013] According to this aspect, the power supply device is providedwith a power supply switch restricting system which can restrict afunction of the power supply switch portion on the remote controller.Therefore, when this function of the remote controller is controlled,the power supply of the projection display device will not be cut off,even when the presenter using the projection display deviceinadvertently operates the power supply switch portion on the remotecontroller incorrectly.

[0014] In this aspect, switching between the restricting states of thepower supply switch restricting system may be performed by (a) using asetting screen displaying system, which is provided at the body of theprojection display device, in order to show a setting screen used to setthe projection display device, and performing selection of menu on thesetting screen, or by (b) using a switch, which is provided at the bodyof the projection display device, and specifically designed forswitching the restricting state of the power supply switch restrictingsystem.

[0015] When switching between the restricting states is performed usinga setting screen in the projection display device, the restricting statecan be displayed on the screen, so that the setting of the restrictingstate of the remote controller can be confirmed by more than one person.In case that restricting is performed using a specifically designedswitch, if the restricting state of the power supply switch restrictingsystem is set at the projection display device body, the restrictingstate cannot be switched using the remote controller. Therefore, evenwhen the remote controller is used by a large and an unspecified numberof persons, such as while making a presentation for an academic society,confusion owing to the accidental changes of the restricting state willnot arise.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a projection display device controllable by a remotecontroller, the projection display device including a light source, anoptical system for forming an optical image in accordance with imageinformation as a result of optically processing light beams emitted fromthe light source, and a projection lens for projecting the optical imagein enlarged form, the projection display device comprising azooming/focusing adjusting function restricting system for restricting afunction of a zooming adjusting portion, for performing zoomingadjustments on the projection lens, of the remote controller, and/or forrestricting a function of a focusing adjusting portion, for performingfocusing adjustments on the projection lens, of the remote controller.

[0017] According to this aspect, the zooming/focusing adjusting functionrestricting system allows the function of the zooming adjusting portionand/or the function of the focusing adjusting portion to be restricted,so that, as in the case where the power supply switch restricting systemis used, when the zooming adjusting portion function and/or the focusingadjusting portion function is restricted, the screen display will remaincorrectly zoomed and focused, even when a person making a presentationinadvertently operates the remote controller incorrectly. In addition,since at least one of the zooming function and the focusing function canbe restricted, the person making the presentation can set theappropriate restricting state as required, for example, restriction isrequired only for the zooming function, thereby allowing him to set theremote controller more freely.

[0018] In this aspect, switching between the restricting states of thezooming/focusing adjusting function restricting system can be performedby the aforementioned methods (a) and (b), and the same effects asmentioned above can be obtained. In addition, switching between therestricting states can be achieved by method (c) operating at the sametime the body side zooming adjusting portion or the body side focusingadjusting portion, both of which are provided at the body of theprojection display device, and another adjusting portion.

[0019] When the projection display device is constructed in this mannerto allow switching between restricting states, it is not necessary toprovide at the device body a separate switch, specifically designed forswitching the state of restriction of the function of the zoomingadjusting portion and the state of restriction of the function of thefocusing adjusting portion of the remote controller, at the device body,thereby simplifying the structure of the device body. In addition,switching between the states of restriction can be performed by simplyoperating the body side zooming adjusting portion or the body sidefocusing adjusting portion and another adjusting portion, at the sametime. Thus, it is not necessary to go through the steps of calling out asetting screen and then changing the setting, which are required in thecase where switching is performed at a setting screen, therebyeliminating the need for changing a setting, so that switching betweenrestriction states can be performed quickly. Further, when theinstruction for switching the state of restriction of the zoomingadjusting function and/or the focusing adjusting function is notdisplayed on the body of the projection display device, the state ofrestriction can be switched by the operation using such as hiddencommands, so that even when the remote controller is used by a large andan unspecified number of users, the restricting state cannot be easilychanged. Therefore, when the projection display device is used at, forexample, an exhibition, and someone plays around with the remotecontroller, the information or image of the projection display devicewill remain properly zoomed and focused.

[0020] According to still another aspect of the present invention, thereis provided a projection display device controllable by a remotecontroller, the projection display device including a light source, anoptical system for forming an optical image in accordance with imageinformation as a result of optically processing light beams emitted fromthe light source, and a projection lens for projecting the optical imagein enlarged form, the projection display device comprising an imageadjusting function restricting system for restricting a function of animage adjusting portion, for adjusting the optical image, of the remotecontroller.

[0021] Here, the image adjusting portion causes the projected screendisplay to match the input image signal input to the projection displaydevice. Adjustments are made, for example, on switching between theinput systems that are, for example, inputting a composite signal from,for example, a video, and the input system for inputting a RGB signalfrom, for example, a computer. Adjustments are also made in theresolution, the refresh rate, the contrast, the tracking, or the like.

[0022] According to this aspect, the projection display device isprovided with an image adjusting function restricting system forrestricting the function of the image adjusting portion of the remotecontroller. Therefore, when only the RGB signal from a computer that isset at a predetermined resolution and refresh rate is input to theprojection display device body, the function of the image adjustingportion can be restricted, thus making it possible to prevent thedisplay screen from being disturbed as a result of inadvertent operationof the image adjusting portion. On the other hand, when a plurality ofcomputers, which are set, for example, at different resolutions, areconnected to the projection display device, and switching betweencomputers is to be performed while making a presentation, adjustmentsfor obtaining appropriate setting can be made using the remotecontroller in accordance with a computer, by making the function of theimage adjusting portion effective.

[0023] The power supply restricting system, the zooming/focusingadjusting function restricting system, or the image adjusting functionrestricting system, each of which is provided at the projection displaydevice, may be provided instead at the remote controller for controllingthe projection display device body. In other words, according to thepresent invention, there is provided a remote controller for controllingthe projection display device body comprising a light source, an opticalsystem for forming an optical image in accordance with image informationas a result of optically processing light beams emitted from the lightsource, and a projection lens for projecting the optical image inenlarged form. The remote controller may comprise at least one of thepower supply switching restricting system, the zooming/focusingadjusting function restricting system, and the image adjusting functionrestricting system. In these restricting systems, any one of theswitching methods described in the above (a) to (c) may be used.

[0024] In these restricting systems, it is possible to useconventionally known types of circuits which do not allow a signal to beoutput from the remote controller to the projection display device evenwhen, for example, the power supply switch portion, an adjustingportion, or the like is turned on/off. For example, each restrictingsystem may be formed by a light signal outputting circuit for outputtinga light signal from the remote controller, and a circuit including aswitching element used to electrically connect or disconnect, forexample, the power supply switch portion with the adjusting portions.

[0025] When any one of the above-described restricting systems isprovided at the remote controller, the same operations and effects asthose obtained when these restricting systems are provided at theprojection display device can be obtained. In addition, if the presenterknows the operation methods very well, he can switch the restrictionstates as required even while making the presentation.

[0026] According to still another aspect of the present invention, thereis provided a remote controller for controlling a body of a projectiondisplay device, the projection display device comprising a light source,an optical system for forming an optical image in accordance with imageinformation as a result of optically processing light beams emitted fromthe light source, and a projection lens for projecting the optical imagein enlarged form, the body of the projection display device comprising abody side power supply switch portion for turning on/off a power supplyof the projection display device, a body side zooming adjusting portionfor performing zooming adjustments on the projection lens, a body sidefocusing adjusting portion for performing focusing adjustments on theprojection lens, a body side image adjusting portion for adjusting theoptical image, and the remote controller comprises a body side adjustingfunction restricting system for restricting the adjusting function of atleast one of the body side power supply switch portion, the body sidezooming adjusting portion, the body side focusing adjusting portion, andthe body side image adjusting portion.

[0027] The body side adjusting function restricting system may beconstructed so that, by operating the remote controller, it can restrictall of the adjusting functions of the projection display device bodythat includes the body side power supply switch portion, the body sidezooming adjusting portion, the body side focusing adjusting portion, andthe body side image adjusting portion, or it may be constructed so thatit may select and restrict a predetermined adjusting function amongthese adjusting functions.

[0028] In such a body side adjusting function restricting system, it ispossible to utilize a conventionally known type of light signaloutputting circuit, which outputs a light signal for switching arestriction state of a body side adjusting function of the remotecontroller. The projection display device body includes a conventionallyknown type of circuit including a switching element for switching overthe above mentioned restriction state of a body side adjusting functionin order to switch the switch by a light signal from the remotecontroller.

[0029] In this aspect, since the body side adjusting functions of theprojection display device body can be restricted by the body sideadjusting function restricting system, only if the body side adjustingfunction is restricted as desired, the display screen remains correctlyzoomed and focused, even when an outsider incorrectly operates a bodyside adjusting portion while a person is making a presentation whileadjusting the display screen using the remote controller.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030]FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an embodiment of theprojection display device in accordance with the present invention, asviewed from the top side of the projection display device;

[0031]FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of an embodiment of theprojection display device in accordance with the present invention, asviewed from the bottom side of the projection display device;

[0032]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the internal structure of theprojection display device of an embodiment in accordance with thepresent invention;

[0033]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an optical system in the interiorof the projection display device of an embodiment in accordance with thepresent invention;

[0034]FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view of the internal structure ofthe projection display device of an embodiment in accordance with thepresent invention;

[0035]FIG. 6 is an external perspective view of a modulating system, acolor-combining optical system, and a projection lens, used in anembodiment of the projection display device in accordance with thepresent invention;

[0036]FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the structure of the optical systemof the projection display device of an embodiment in accordance with thepresent invention;

[0037]FIG. 8 is a partial front view showing the layout of the buttonsof the operation switch, which is provided at the body of the projectiondisplay device, of an embodiment in accordance with the presentinvention;

[0038]FIG. 9 is a front view of a remote controller of the projectiondisplay device of an embodiment in accordance with the presentinvention;

[0039]FIG. 10 illustrates a menu displayed on the projection displaydevice of an embodiment in accordance with the present invention;

[0040]FIG. 11 illustrates a screen used for setting the state ofrestriction of the function of a zoom adjuster button and the functionof a focus adjuster button of a remote controller, in an embodiment ofthe present invention;

[0041]FIG. 12 illustrates a screen used for setting the state ofrestriction of the function of the zoom adjuster button and the functionof a focus adjuster button of the remote controller, in an embodiment ofthe present invention;

[0042]FIG. 13 is a front view of a remote controller, relative to asecond embodiment of the present invention;

[0043]FIG. 14 is a front view of a remote controller, which is amodification of the remote controller described in the second embodimentof the present invention;

[0044]FIG. 15 is an overall system diagram of a sequential color digitalmicromirror display system;

[0045]FIG. 16 is a sketch of a micromirror element in FIG. 15; and

[0046]FIG. 17 is a schematic representation of a reflective light valveprojection system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0047] A description will now be given of an embodiment of the presentinvention with reference to the drawings.

[0048] (1) Overall Structure of the Projection Display Device

[0049]FIGS. 1 and 2 are schematic perspective views of a projectiondisplay device 1 of a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1illustrates the projection display device 1, as viewed from the topthereof, while FIG. 2 illustrates the projection display device 1, asviewed from the bottom thereof.

[0050] In the projection display device 1, the light emitted from alamp, which is a light source, is separated into the three primary colorlight beams, the red light beam (R), the green light beam (G), and theblue light beam (B). These color light beams pass through theirrespective light valves (comprising a modulating system), and aremodulated in accordance with image information corresponding thereto.The modulated color light beams are combined by a prism (acolor-combining optical system), and the combined color light beams passthrough a projection lens 6 in order to be projected onto a projectionsurface in enlarged form. The component parts of an optical unit 10,other than the projection lens 6, are stored in an outside case 2.

[0051] (2) Structure of the Outside Case

[0052] The outside case 2 basically comprises an upper case portion 3,which covers the top side of the projection display device 1; a lowercase portion 4 which constitutes the bottom side of the projectiondisplay device 1; and a rear case portion 5 which covers the rear sideof the projection display device 1.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of communicating holes 25L and25R are formed in the left and right sides of the front portion of thetop surface of the upper case 3. An operation switch 60, for adjustingthe quality and focus of the image displayed in the projection displaydevice 1, is provided at substantially the center portion of the topsurface of the upper case 3. A light receiver 70, for receiving a lightsignal emitted from a remote controller 80 (described later), isprovided at the right top end of the front face of the upper case 3.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 2, at the bottom surface of the lower case 4 areprovided a cover 27 for allowing replacement of a lamp unit 8 (describedlater) stored in the projection display device 1; and an air filtercover 23 with air intake openings 240 for cooling the interior of theprojection display device 1.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 2, feet 31R and 31L are provided at the left andright corners of the front end of the bottom surface of the lower case4; and a foot 31C is provided at substantially the center portion of therear end of the bottom surface of the lower case 4. When the lever 311is raised upward, feet 31R and 31L can move freely either forward orbackward in the direction in which they protrude, thereby allowing thevertical position of the display screen which appears on a projectionsurface to be varied.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 2, at the right side of the rear case 5 isdisposed an AC inlet 51 for supplying thereto external electrical powerfrom an outside device. In addition, at the rear case 5 are disposed aterminal group 50 consisting of various input/output terminals, and anair outlet 160, which is provided adjacent to the terminal group 50 inorder to allow the interior air of the projection display device to bedischarged.

[0057] (3) Internal Structure of the Projection Display Device

[0058] FIGS. 3 thorough 6 shows the internal structure of the projectiondisplay device 1. FIGS. 3 and 4 are schematic perspective views of theinternal structure of the projection display device 1; and FIG. 5 is avertical sectional view of projection display device 1.

[0059] As shown in these figures, a light source lamp unit 8, an opticalunit 10 constituting an optical system, a circuit board 11, and a powersupply unit 7 are disposed in the outside case 2.

[0060] The light source lamp unit 8 serves as a light source section ofthe projection display device 1. Although not shown in the figures, thelight source lamp unit 8 comprises a light source, consisting of a lightsource lamp and a reflector, and a lamp housing for storing the lightsource therein. The entire light source lamp unit 8 can be taken out byopening the aforementioned cover 27.

[0061] The optical unit 10, which forms an optical image by opticallyprocessing light beams emitted from the light source lamp unit 8 inaccordance with image information, comprises an illuminating opticalsystem 923, a color-separating optical system 924, a modulating system925, and a prism unit 910 serving as a color-combining optical system.The optical component parts of the optical unit 10 other than themodulating system 925 and the prism unit 910 are interposed andsupported between an upper light guide 901 and a lower light guide 902.The upper light guide 901 and the lower light guide 902 are secured tothe lower case 4 side by a screw. Further the upper light guide 901 andthe lower light guide 902 are similarly fixed to the prism unit 910 sideby a screw.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 6, the rectangular parallelepiped prism unit 910is secured, using a screw, to the back face of a head plate 903, beingan integrally molded product of magnesium and constructed so as to havesubstantially L shaped faces. Color light valves 925R, 925G, and 925B,comprising the modulating system 925, are secured to the prism unit 910so as to oppose the three side surfaces of the prism unit 910. The baseend of the projection lens 6 is secured to the front face of the headplate 903 with a screw. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 5, the head plate903 to which the prism unit 910, the modulating system 925, and theprojecting lens 6 are mounted are secured to the lower case 4 with ascrew.

[0063] The circuit board 11 is provided to control the aforementionedlight source lamp, the liquid crystal light valves 925R, 925G, and 925B,and the like. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the circuit board 11 is disposedabove the optical unit 10, and is electrically connected to theoperation switch 60, which is provided at the upper case 3, at the frontend portion of the projection display device 1. It is also electricallyconnected to the terminal group 50, which is provided at the rear case5, at the rear end of the projection display device 1. A rod-shapedprotrusion 9011 is formed above the upper light guide 901, upon whichthe circuit board 11 is provided. A predetermined gap is formed betweenthe circuit board 11 and the upper light guide 901 in order to allowcirculation of cooling air along the circuit board 11.

[0064] The power supply unit 7, which supplies electrical power for theoptical unit 10 and the light source lamp unit 8, is disposed at a sideof the optical unit 10, and is electrically connected, at the rear endof the projection display device 1, to the AC inlet 51 at the rear case5. The power supply unit 7 also supplies electrical power to the voiceoutput speakers 251R and 251L which are disposed in correspondence withthe locations of the communicating holes 25R and 25L in the upper case3, respectively; to a ventilating fan 16 which is provided adjacent tothe light source lamp unit 8; and to an intake fan 17 provided above theprism unit 910 (described later) and taking in cooling air from the airintake openings 240. An intake fan 7 a is provided at a side face whichis opposite to the projection lens 6 of the power supply unit 7.

[0065] (4) Structure of the Optical System

[0066] A description will now be given of the structure of the opticalsystem of the projection display device 1, with reference to FIG. 7 thatis a schematic view of the optical system.

[0067] As described above, the optical unit 10 comprises illuminatingoptical system 923 for making uniform the in-plane illuminancedistribution of a light beam (W) emitted from the illuminating opticalsystem 923; color-separating optical system 924 for separating the lightbeam emitted from the light source lamp unit 8 into a red light beam(R), a green light beam (G), and a blue light beam (B); modulatingsystem 925 for modulating each of the color light beams, that is the redlight beam (R), the green light beam (G), and the blue light beam (B) inaccordance with image information corresponding thereto; and prism unit910 which serves as a color-combining optical system for combining eachof the modulated color light beams.

[0068] The illuminating optical system 923 includes a reflecting mirror931 for bending an optical axis 1 a of the light beam W emitted from thelight source lamp unit 8 so that it extends towards the front of theprojection display device 1; and a first lens plate 921 and a secondlens plate 922 disposed such that the reflecting mirror 931 isinterposed therebetween.

[0069] The first lens plate 921 is composed of a plurality ofrectangular lenses disposed in a matrix arrangement, and divides thelight beam from the light source into a plurality of partial light beamsand causes the light beams to be gathered and concentrated near thesecond lens plate 922.

[0070] The second lens plate 922 is composed of a plurality ofrectangular lenses disposed in a matrix arrangement, and causes each ofthe partial light beams emitted from the first lens plate 921 to besuperimposed on the light valves 925R, 925G, and 925B (described later)of the modulating system 925.

[0071] Accordingly, the illuminating optical system 923 cansubstantially uniformly illuminate the liquid crystal light valves 925R,925G, and 925B, so that the projection display device 1 of the presentembodiment can provide a projection image that does not have unevenilluminance.

[0072] The color-separating optical system 924 comprises a blue lightand green light reflecting dichroic mirror 941, a green light reflectingdichroic mirror 942, and a reflecting mirror 943. At the blue light andgreen light reflecting dichroic mirror 941, the blue light beam (B) andthe green light beam (G) of the light beam (W) that is coming from theilluminating optical system 923 are reflected at right angles and thentravel towards the green light reflecting dichroic mirror 942.

[0073] The red light beam (R) passes through the blue light and greenlight reflecting dichroic mirror 941, is reflected at right angles bythe reflecting mirror 943 disposed behind the blue light and green lightreflecting dichroic mirror 941, leaves a red light (R) outgoing portion944, and travels towards the prism unit 910. Of the blue light beam (B)and the green light beam (G) reflected by the blue light and green lightreflecting dichroic mirror 941, only the green light beam (G) isreflected at right angles by the green light reflecting dichroic mirror942, leaves a green light (G) outgoing portion 945, and travels towardsthe color-combining optical system. The blue light beam (B), which haspassed through the green light reflecting dichroic mirror 942, leaves ablue light (B) outgoing portion 946, and travels towards a relay lenssystem 927. In the present embodiment, the optical system 10 isconstructed such that the distances from the white light (W) outgoingportion of the illuminating optical system 923 to the light outgoingportions 944, 945, and 946 of the color-separating optical system 924are all the same.

[0074] A light-condensing lens 951 and a light-condensing lens 952 aredisposed at the red light (R) outgoing portion 944 and the green light(G) outgoing portion 945 of the color-separating optical system 924,respectively. Accordingly, the red light beam (R) and the green lightbeam (G), which have left their respective light-outgoing portions,enter their respective condensing lenses 951 and 952 in order to beformed into parallel light beams.

[0075] The red light beam (R) and the green light beam (G), which havebeen formed into parallel light beams, pass through respectivelight-incoming side polarizing plates 960R and 960G, and enter theirrespective liquid crystal light valves 925R and 925G, where they aremodulated, in order to add the image information thereon correspondingto these colors. In other words, these liquid crystal light valves arecontrolled by switching in accordance with the image informationassociated thereto, by a driving means (not shown), whereby the colorlight beams, which pass through their respective liquid crystal lightvalves, are modulated. A conventionally known type of driving means canbe used for such a driving means. The blue light beam (B) is led,through the relay lens system 927, to the liquid crystal light valve925B, where it is similarly modulated in accordance with the imageinformation corresponding thereto. For the liquid crystal light valves925R, 925G, and 925B, a liquid crystal light valve, which utilizes apolysilicon TFT as a switching element, may be used.

[0076] The relay lens system 927 comprises a light condensing lens 954disposed at the light-outgoing side of the blue light (B) outgoingportion 946; a light-incoming side reflecting mirror 971; alight-outgoing side reflecting mirror 972; an intermediate lens 953disposed between these reflecting mirrors; and a light-condensing lens973 disposed in front of the liquid crystal light valve 925B. The bluelight beam (B), which has left the light-condensing lens 953, passesthrough a light-incoming side polarizing plate 960B, and enters theliquid crystal light valve 925B that modulates it. The length of theoptical path, that is the distance from the light source lamp 181 to aliquid crystal panel, is longest for the blue light beam (B), so thatthe loss of blue light is largest. However, the relay lens system 927reduces the amount of loss of blue light.

[0077] The light beams, which have been modulated as a result of passingthrough their respective liquid crystal light valves 925R, 925G, and925B, pass through their respective light-outgoing side polarizingplates 961R, 961G, and 961B, and enter the prism unit 910, where theyare combined together. This results in the formation of a color image,which, through the projection lens 6, is projected in enlarged form ontoa projection surface 100 disposed at a predetermined location.

[0078] While the preferred embodiment is described in terms of a liquidcrystal light valve, one skilled in the art would recognize that otheroptical systems are available, such as reflection type modulatorsincluding DMDs, or any other optical systems that perform the functionof forming an optical image in accordance with image information as aresult of optically processing light beams emitted from the lightsource.

[0079] (5) Structure of the Operation Switch 60

[0080] As shown in FIG. 8, the operation switch 60, provided at the topface of the outside case 2, has a body side power supply switchingbutton 61, a body side zoom adjuster button 62, a body side focusadjuster button 63, and a body side tracking adjusting portion 64 whichcomprises the image adjuster portion, and a body side input switchingbutton 65. The body side tracking adjusting portion 64 has trackingadjuster buttons 641 and 642 for manually performing horizontalsynchronization adjustments of the display screen that appears on theprojection surface 100; V synchronization adjuster buttons 643 and 644for manually performing vertical synchronization adjustments; and autoformat button 645 for automatically performing these image adjustments.

[0081] In addition, the operation switch 60 has a body side menu button66, which switches the setting screens, for setting the projectiondisplay device 1 in various ways, over the display on the projectionsurface 100; a body side blank button 67 for blocking an optical imageto be formed based on the input image signal in order to show a blankedscreen of a predetermined color; a body side re-size button 68 foradjusting the size of the display screen; and a body side voice outputadjusting portion 69 for outputting a voice from the speakers 251R and251L. The body side voice output adjusting portion 69 has a body sidevolume button 691, for making voice adjustments, and a body side mutebutton 692. As described above, such an operation switch 60 iselectrically connected to the circuit board 11, which has conventionallyknown types of circuits used for providing each of the button functions.

[0082] (6) Structure of the Remote Controller 80

[0083] As shown in FIG. 9, the remote controller 80, for controlling theprojection display device 1, has a power supply switching button 81, azoom adjuster button 82, a focus adjuster button 83, a video switchingbutton 84 and a computer switching button 85, forming an image adjustingportion, and an auto format button 86. The remote controller 80 also hasa menu button 87; a pointer operation button 88, for operating the mousepointer on the screen that appears on the projection surface 100, whenan image signal is input from a computer to the projection displaydevice 1; a click button 89; a blank button 90; a re-size button 91, afreeze button 92 for bringing, for example, a video motion picturestill; a volume button 93; a mute button 94; and a custom button 95 forcalling out CUSTOM SET set at the projection display device 1. The menubutton 87, the blank button 90, the re-size button 91, the volume button93, and the mute button 94 provide essentially the same functions as thecorresponding buttons on the body of the projection display device 1.

[0084] Although not shown in FIG. 9, these buttons are connected to aconventionally known type of light signal generating circuitaccommodated in the remote controller 80. Through the light signalgenerating circuit, a light signal is output from a light-emittingportion at the top end side face of the remote controller 80 of FIG. 8,in accordance with an instruction produced as a result of pressing oneof the aforementioned buttons. The light signal is then received by thelight-receiving portion 70 of the projection display device 1, wherebythe projection display device 1 is operated without using wires.

[0085] In the case where the power supply of the projection display 1 iscut off, pressing the power supply switching button 81 once causes thelight source lamp 181 in the light source lamp unit 8 to be turned on,and pressing it again causes it to be turned off. Thereafter, theventilating fan 16 and the intake fan 17 are operated for a certainperiod of time in order to clean the inside of the projection displaydevice 1.

[0086] By continuously pressing either one of the + side or the − sideof the zoom adjuster button 82 and either one of the + side or the −side of the focus adjuster button 83, the zooming or the focusing of theprojection lens 6 can be varied continuously. By releasing the buttons82 or 83 when the predetermined zooming position or focusing position isreached, the zooming adjustment or the focusing adjustment can bestopped. The + and − sides are provided for the zoom adjuster button 82and for the focus adjuster button 82 so that zooming adjustingoperations and focusing adjusting operations can be reversed.

[0087] When the video switching button 84 is pressed, an optical imageis formed based on the input image signal coming from a video inputterminal (not shown) of the projection display device 1 in order todisplay it on the projection surface 100; and when the computer imagebutton 85 is pressed, an optical image is formed based on the inputimage signal coming from a RGB terminal of the projection display device1. The input and output terminal group 50, provided at theaforementioned rear case 5, can be simultaneously connected to aplurality of computers. When the computer image button 85 is pressed aplurality of times, switching between computers, which output imagesignals, can be performed in accordance with the number of pressingoperations.

[0088] (7) Power Supply Switch Restricting System, Zooming/FocusingAdjusting Function Restricting System, and Image Adjusting FunctionRestricting System

[0089] The projection display device 1 includes a power supply switchrestricting system which can restrict the function of the power supplyswitch button 81 of the remote controller 80; a zooming/focusingfunction restricting system which can restrict the function of the zoomadjuster button 82 and/or the function of the focus adjuster button 83of the remote controller 80; and an image adjusting function restrictingsystem which can restrict the function of the video switching button 84,the function of the computer switching button 85, and the function ofthe auto format button 86 of the remote controller 80. These restrictingsystems are provided on the circuit board 11, and comprise switchingelements interposed between conventionally known types of circuits, usedfor executing these functions, and the light-receiving portion 70.Switching between restricting states of each of the restricting systemscan be performed based on the state of the switching element associatedthereto.

[0090] (8) Procedure for Switching the Restricting State of EachRestricting System

[0091] A description will now be given of the procedure for switchingthe restricting state of each restricting system of the projectiondisplay device 1, using the zoom adjuster button 82 and the focusadjuster button 83 as examples.

[0092] (a) When the light source lamp 181 of the projection displaydevice 1 is turned on by pressing the body side power supply switchbutton 61 of the projection display device 1, or when the body side menubutton 87 is pressed while the light source lamp 181 is lit, a menuscreen for performing various projection display device 1 settingsappears, as shown in FIG. 10. As can be seen in FIG. 10, on the menuscreen of the present embodiment are also displayed, along with themenu, such information as the horizontal synchronization frequency, thevertical synchronization frequency, the amount of time the light sourcelamp 181 is used, and the name of the computer which is the origin ofthe image display currently being shown. It is possible, therefore, toconfirm whether or not the image signal, input from a computer or thelike, matches the projection display device 1 setting, by looking at themenu screen.

[0093] (b) From the menu, CUSTOM is selected, and from the customsetting menu, REMOTE CONTROLLER SETTING is selected. When selecting fromthe menu, the body side tracking adjusting portion 64 of the projectiondisplay device 1 is used. More specifically, vertical movement on themenu screen is achieved by using the V synchronization adjuster buttons643 and 644, shown in FIG. 8, horizontal movement on the menu screen isachieved by using the tracking adjuster buttons 641 and 642, shown inFIG. 8, and selection from the menu screen is achieved by using the autoformat button 645 disposed at the center of the body side trackingadjusting portion 64.

[0094] (c) When REMOTE CONTROLLER SETTING is selected, the remotecontroller 80 setting menu is displayed (not shown). Then, whenZOOM/FOCUS LOCK is selected from this menu, information regarding thelock state of the zooming/focusing adjusting function of the remotecontroller 80 is displayed, as shown in FIG. 11. When the user wants tolock the zooming/focusing adjusting function of the remote controller80, by pressing the V synchronization adjuster buttons 643 and 644, thescreen is set as shown in FIG. 11. On the other hand, when the userwants to maintain the zoom•focus function of the remote controller 80,by operating the V synchronization adjuster buttons 643 and 644, thescreen is set as shown in FIG. 12.

[0095] (d) Thereafter, when the setting of the remote controller 80 isexecuted by using the auto format button 644, the screen changes fromthe REMOTE CONTROLLER SETTING screen to the menu screen. When the bodyside menu button 66 is pressed, the screen changes to the ordinarydisplay screen based on the image signal from the computer or the like.

[0096] (e) FOCUS/ZOOM displayed on the screens of FIGS. 11 and 12 canalso be changed, by pressing the tracking adjuster buttons 641, 642, andmoving the cursor to the right portion of the screen in FIGS. 11 and 12,and subsequently pressing the V synchronization adjuster buttons 643,644. More specifically, the information indicating the lock state of thezooming adjusting function/the focusing adjusting function can bedisplayed in the following three ways: FOCUS/ZOOM (which means that thefocusing adjusting function and the zooming adjusting function are bothlocked), FOCUS (which means only the focusing adjusting function islocked), and ZOOM (which means that only the focusing adjusting functionis locked).

[0097] (f) In addition to the ZOOM/FOCUS LOCK menu, the POWER SUPPLYSWITCH LOCK menu and the TRACKING/V SYNCHRONIZATION ADJUSTMENT LOCK menuare also provided on the REMOTE CONTROLLER SETTING screen describedabove. The power supply switch function and the tracking/Vsynchronization adjusting functions can be locked by the same proceduresas those used to lock the focusing adjusting function and the zoomingadjusting function. Therefore, the procedures for locking thesefunctions will not be described.

[0098] (9) Advantages of the First Embodiment

[0099] (a) The projection display device 1 is provided with a powersupply switch restricting system, a zooming/focusing adjusting functionrestricting system, and an image adjusting function restricting system.Selections can be made from menus by operating the body side trackingadjusting portion 64, thereby allowing the on/off state of the powersupply switch, the zooming adjusting function, the focusing adjustingfunction, the tracking adjusting function, and the like, of the remotecontroller 80 to be restricted as required. When the on/off state of thepower supply switch, the zooming adjusting function, the focusingadjusting function, and the tracking adjusting function are restricted,the various settings of the projection display device 1 will not bedisturbed, even when any one of the adjuster buttons 81 through 87 onthe remote controller 80 are inadvertently pressed by the person makinga presentation.

[0100] (b) By operating the buttons 641 to 645 of the body side trackingadjusting portion 64, various adjusting functions can be restricted bysetting ZOOM/FOCUS, ZOOM, or FOCUS, making it possible to easily set thestate of restriction of the remote controller 80 from the projectiondisplay device 1.

[0101] (c) Since the state of restriction of any of the button functionson the remote controller 80 can be switched on the screen, such as atthe setting screens shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the setting of the remotecontroller 80 can be confirmed by more than one person. In addition, thesetting of the remote controller 80 can be changed by pressing the bodyside menu button 66, the menu button 87, or the like, to call out thesetting screen, as required. Therefore, even when there are many peopleof, for example, an academic society making presentations, the settingof the remote controller can be changed based on the demands of thepersons making the presentation.

[0102] (10) Structure of the Projection Display Device of the SecondEmbodiment and Advantages Thereof

[0103] A description will now be given of the second embodiment of theprojection display device in accordance with the present invention. Inthe following description, similar or corresponding parts to those ofthe projection display device of the first embodiment are not described.

[0104] In the first embodiment, the body of the projection displaydevice 1 is provided with a power supply switch restricting system, azooming/focusing adjusting function restricting system, and an imageadjusting function restricting system.

[0105] The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment inrespect of that the remote controller is provided with azooming/focusing adjusting function restricting system, and an imageadjusting function restricting system. In addition, in the secondembodiment, the remote controller is provided with a body side adjustingfunction restricting system which restricts the functions of theoperation buttons provided at the body.

[0106] The structure of the body of the projection display device of thesecond embodiment is similar to that of the body of the projectiondisplay device of the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 8, so that it willnot be described below.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 13, the remote controller 180 used to controlthe body of the projection display device of the second embodiment isessentially the same as the remote controller 80 used for controllingthe projection display device 1 body of the first embodiment.

[0108] Although not shown in FIG. 13, the remote controller 180 isprovided with a power supply switch restricting system for restrictingthe function of the power supply switch button 81; a zooming/focusingadjusting function restricting system for restricting the function of azoom adjuster button 82 and/or the function of a focus adjuster button83; an image adjusting function restricting system for restricting thefunction of computer switching buttons 84 and 85 and the function of anauto format button 86; and a body side adjusting function restrictingsystem for restricting the adjusting functions of all of the buttons ofthe operation switch on the projection display device. These restrictingsystems are provided on a circuit board disposed in the remotecontroller 180. The body side adjusting function restricting system isformed including a light signal outputting circuit for outputting twotypes of signals used to switch the state of restriction of the bodyside adjusting functions, while the restricting systems other than thebody side adjusting function restricting system is formed by a circuitincluding a switching element disposed between circuits of aconventionally known type, used to provide the various button functions,and the light signal outputting circuit.

[0109] The restricting state of any one of the restricting systems canbe switched by the remote controller 180 by the same switchingprocedures used to switch the restricting state of each of therestricting systems in the first embodiment. However, since theswitching of the restricting state is performed using the remotecontroller 180, the types of buttons to be operated are slightlydifferent. More specifically, when selecting from a menu using theremote controller 180, a pointer operation button 88 is pressed toselect the section to be changed, and, then, a click button 89 isclicked once to display the settable patterns at the section of themenu. After moving the cursor to the desired pattern by pressing thepointer operation button 88 once again, the click button 89 is clickedto set the desired pattern. Thereafter, procedures which aresubstantially the same as the switching procedures carried out in thefirst embodiment are performed to change the restricting state of anyone of the restricting systems including the body side adjustingfunction restricting system. It is to be noted that the state ofrestriction of the body side adjusting functions can be changed byselecting BODY SIDE ADJUSTING FUNCTION SET from the custom setting menuof the menu screen.

[0110] In addition to the advantages of the projection display device ofthe first embodiment, the projection display device of the secondembodiment has the following advantages.

[0111] (d) The remote controller 180 is provided with a body sideadjusting function restricting system which can restrict the adjustingfunction of the buttons of the operation switch at the body of theprojection display device. Therefore, with the body side buttons of theoperation switch locked, when a presenter makes a presentation whileadjusting the display screen using the remote controller 180, thedisplay screen remains, for example, correctly zoomed and focused, evenwhen an outsider incorrectly operates any of the body side buttons ofthe operation switch.

[0112] (11) Modifications

[0113] The present invention is not limited to the above-describedembodiments, so that various modifications can be made.

[0114] Although in the first embodiment, the restricting state of thepower supply switch restricting system, the zooming/focusing adjustingfunction restricting system, and the image adjusting functionrestricting system are switched at the menu setting screen shown inFIGS. 10 to 12, the function restricting state may be switched byproviding a switch on the projection display device 1, which is designedspecifically for switching the restricting state of the restrictingsystems. The restricting state may also be switched by simultaneouslyoperating the adjuster buttons 61 to 69 of the operation switch 60 onthe projection display device 1.

[0115] Although a plurality of switches may be specifically designed incorrespondence with the different restricting systems, it is preferableto provide one switch, for switching a function restricting state, onthe projection display device, and using this switch in combination withany of the other adjuster buttons on the projection display device, suchas the power supply switch button, the focus adjuster button, the zoomadjuster button, or the auto format button, in order to switch thefunction restricting state of each of the restricting systems.

[0116] An example of the case that the adjuster buttons 61 to 69 of theoperation switch 60 is operated at the same time is described asfollows. When the restricting state of the zooming/focusing adjustingfunction restricting system is changed, the zoom adjuster button 82 andthe focus adjuster button 83 of the remote controller 80 can be lockedby pressing at the same time the body side zooming adjuster button 62 orthe body side focusing adjuster button 63, as well as the body sidevolume button 691 and the mute button 692.

[0117] When a switch designed specifically for changing the functionrestricting state of each restricting systems is provided at theprojection display device, and the restricting state of the remotecontroller is set at the projection display device, it is possible tomake this restricting state not to be subsequently switched by theremote controller, so that even when the remote controller is used by alarge and an unspecified number of users in, for example, presentationsgiven by an academic society, confusion will not arise from accidentalchanges made in the restricting state.

[0118] When the restricting state of the zooming/focusing adjustingfunction restricting system is switched by operating at the same timethe body side zoom adjuster button 62 or the body side focus adjusterbutton 63 and the adjuster buttons 691 and 692, the projection displaydevice 1 does not require a separate switch specifically designed forchanging the restricting state, making it possible to simplify thestructure of the projection display device 1. In addition, therestricting state can be switched by simply operating at the same timethe body side zoom adjuster button 82 or the body side focus adjusterbutton 83 and the adjuster buttons 691 and 692, so that the procedure ofcalling out the setting menu and changing the setting of the remotecontroller can be eliminated, thereby allowing the restricting state tobe switched quickly. Further, the instruction for switching the state ofrestriction of the zooming adjusting function and/or the focusingadjusting function is not displayed at the projection display device 1,the state of restriction can be switched by using such as hiddencommands, so that even when the remote controller 80 is used by a largeand an unspecified number of users, the restricting state cannot beeasily changed. Therefore, when the projection display device 1 is usedat, for example, an exhibition, and someone plays around with the remotecontroller 80, the information or image of the projection display device1 will remain properly zoomed and focused.

[0119] Although in the second embodiment, the restricting state of thepower switch restricting system, the restricting state of thezooming/focusing adjusting function restricting system, the restrictingstate of the image adjusting function restricting system, and therestricting state of the body side adjusting function restricting systemare switched at the menu setting screen, the restricting state of anyone of the systems can be switched by a specifically designed switch 96that is provided on the remote controller 280, shown in FIG. 14. Thespecifically designed switch 96 is used in combination with the adjusterbuttons 81 to 95 of the remote controller 280 in order to change therestricting state. For example, when the state of restriction of thezoom adjuster button 82 is to be switched, the specifically designedswitch 96 is operated while pressing the zoom adjuster button 82.

[0120] Since the restricting state of the remote controller 280 can bechanged using the specifically designed switch 96, anyone making apresentation can easily change the restricting state whenever it isnecessary even during the presentation.

[0121] In addition to selecting from a menu screen and using thespecifically designed switch 96 shown in FIG. 12, the restricting stateof any one of the restricting systems can be changed by operating at thesame time some of the adjuster buttons 81 to 95 of the remote controller180. When the restricting state is changed is this way, operationaleffects that are similar to those obtained when the body side adjusterbuttons are operated at the same time can be obtained. The structuresand forms are not limited to those described in the embodiments above,so that other structures and forms may be used within the scope thatallows the object of the present invention to be achieved.

[0122] In other exemplary embodiments according to the systems andmethods of the invention the optical system of the display device 1 maybe a digital micromirror device (DMD) display as disclosed by U.S. Pat.No. 5,592,188 herein incorporated in its entirety by reference.

[0123] Referring to FIG. 14, there is illustrated an overall systemdiagram of a digital micromirror device (DMD) display system 10 awherein the light from a source 11 a is applied through a firstcondenser lens 13 a and through a color wheel 15 a, which is rotatingabout 60 cycles, or Hertz, or 60 frames per second. The light passingthrough the color wheel passes through a second condenser lens onto aDMD chip 19 a. The DMD chip 19 a includes an array of tiny mirroredelements, or micromirrors, where each mirror element is hinged by atorsion hinge and support posts above a memory cell of a CMOS STATICRAM, as shown in FIG. 15. The movable micromirror tilts into an on oroff state by electrostatic forces based on data in the cell. The tilt ofthe mirror is either plus or minus, for example 10° (off) to modulatethe light that is incident on the surface. As shown, the light reflectedfrom any of the mirrors may pass through a projection lens 20 a andcreate images on a large screen 21 a. As stated previously, the portionof time during which the mirror remains in the on state determines theshade of gray. The time duration which the cell is in the positivedirection, or on, is represented by 8 bits of data sent to that cell.The color wheel 15 a is divided into for example red, green and bluesectors. In the color wheel example for red, green, and blue the maximumred would be when the red would be reflecting the maximum period oftime. That is, the micromirror would be in the on position when thelight was passing through essentially the entire time the wheel is inthe red sector. The same would be true for the other two colors. Theminimum would be where the micromirror would be in the off state throughthe entire period when the color wheel was in the color position. Theintensity resolution in this pulse width modulation (PWM) is limited bythe response time of the digital DMD mirrors. The total time availableto display a color frame and the least time required to turn a mirror tothe “on” state and back to the “off” state define the resolution of thepresent systems. In the arrangement for the 8-bits, the most significantbit is the seventh bit with that bit representing the longest “on” time,the sixth bit then representing the next longest “on” time, and thefifth bit representing the third longest “on” time, etc. The leastsignificant, or 0 bit, would represent the shortest period of time. Fora sequential color DMD system five milliseconds is available for a colorframe. For 8-bit binary PWM, the last significant bit (0 bit on only),the shortest period would be on for about 19.6 microseconds. The mirroroff/on time would have to be less and 19.6 microseconds to implementthis scheme with the current method.

[0124] In other exemplary embodiments according to the systems andmethods of the invention the optical system may be a projection systemas disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,113,239 herein incorporated by referencein its entirety.

[0125] This optical system is shown generally at 80 a in FIG. 17. System80 a includes a light source 82 a and a projection system 83 a.Projection system 83 a includes two dichroic filters (DF) 84 a, 86 a,and two polarizing beam splitters (PBS) 88 a, 90 a, to split up theincoming white light from light source 82 a into RGB components beforedirecting each light beam component to a specific light valve, or liquidcrystal display (LCD), 92 a, 94 a, 96 a. LCDs 92 a, 94 a, 96 a eachprovide a light-component-specific image, which is illuminated by thelight beam component and reflected from the face of the LCD, carrying acolor image component. The color image components are then recombined,and the reflected light is directed to projection lens 98 a.

[0126] A requirement for proper operation of projection system 83 a isthat the input illumination is pre-filtered and polarized so that thegreen and blue distributions are s-polarized and the red distribution isp-polarized. As is known to those of skill in the art, s-polarized lighthas its electric field vector linearly polarized perpendicular to theplane of the figure and p-polarized light has its electric field vectorlinearly polarized in the plane of the figure.

[0127] DFs 84 a and 86 a are arranged in a substantially straight linewithin projection system 83 a, as are PBSs 88 a, 90 a. The DFs and PBSsare arranged to intersect their respective substantially straight linesadjacent the midpoints thereof in a normal relationship. Put anotherway, the optics are arranged in a substantially “X” shapedconfiguration, with the filters and beam splitters each joined adjacentan edge thereof. Although, in FIG. 17, it appears that there is anoffset between DF 84 a and DR 86 a, it will be appreciated that thereflective coatings are disposed on one side only of the filter, i.e.,as viewed in FIG. 17, DF 84 a is coated on its upper surface while DF 86a is coated on its lower surface. The coated surfaces line up in the “X”shaped configuration.

[0128] In projection system 83 a, the incoming light first encountersblue-transmitting dichroic filter 84 a. The s-polarized blue light istransmitted while the s-polarized green light and p-polarized red lightare reflected. The blue light passes on to PBS 88 a where, because it iss-polarized, it reflects to first LCD light valve 96 a, which is a bluelight modulator. LCD 96 a modulates the polarization of the light byrotating the direction of polarization in proportion to the electricalsignals provided to the device. The reflected light is thus acombination of s-polarized and p-polarized light. When the reflectedlight returns to PBS 88 a, the s-polarized portion again reflects backtoward the incoming illumination and the p-polarized portion istransmitted on to blue-reflecting dichroic 86 a. The blue light willreflect off second dichroic filter 86 a and through projection lens 98a, to an image display, such as a projection screen.

[0129] The green and red light that is reflected from first dichroicfilter 84 a propagates to second PBS 90 a. The p-polarized red light istransmitted through PBS 90 a to second LCD 92 a, a red light modulator,while the s-polarized green light is reflected to third LCD 94 a, agreen light modulator. LCDs 92 a, 94 a modulate the light distributions,and after the reflected distributions return to PBS 90 a, only thep-polarized portion of the green light and the s-polarized portion ofthe red light pass over to blue-reflecting dichroic filter 86 a. Theother portions of these two distributions are again returned toward theincoming illumination. Because dichroic filter 86 a transmits both redand green, these two distributions are combined with the blue light fromthe other path and pass through projection lens 98 a to the imagedisplay. Dichroic filter 86 a acts as an image recombiner in thisembodiment.

What is claimed is:
 1. A projection display device controllable by aremote controller, the projection display device including a lightsource, optical image forming means for forming an optical image inaccordance with image information as a result of optically processinglight beams emitted from the light source, and a projection lens forprojecting the optical image in enlarged form, the projection displaydevice comprising: a power supply switch restricting system forrestricting a function of the power supply switch portion of the remotecontroller which causes a power supply to be turned on/off.
 2. Theprojection display device according to claim 1, the optical imageforming means being light valves.
 3. The projection display deviceaccording to claim 1, the optical image forming means being reflectivelight valves.
 4. The projection display device according to claim 1, theoptical image forming means being a digital micromirror device.
 5. Theprojection display device according to claim 1, further comprising asetting screen displaying system for displaying a setting screen usedfor setting the projection display device, switching between restrictingstates of the power supply switch restricting system being performableby selecting from a setting menu on the setting screen.
 6. Theprojection display device according to claim 1, further comprising aswitch specifically designed for switching between restricting states ofthe power supply switch restricting system.
 7. A projection displaydevice controllable by a remote controller, the projection displaydevice including a light source, an optical image forming means forforming an optical image in accordance with image information as aresult of optically processing light beams emitted from the lightsource, and a projection lens for projecting the optical image inenlarged form, the projection display device comprising: a zoomingadjusting portion for performing zooming adjustments on the projectionlens; a focusing adjusting portion for performing focusing adjustmentson the projection lens; and a zooming/focusing adjusting functionrestricting system for restricting a function of the zooming adjustingportion and/or for restricting a function of the focusing adjustingportion.
 8. The projection display device according to claim 7, theoptical image forming means being light valves.
 9. The projectiondisplay device according to claim 7, the optical image forming meansbeing reflective light valves.
 10. The projection display deviceaccording to claim 7, the optical image forming means being a digitalmicromirror device.
 11. The projection display device according to claim7, further comprising a setting screen displaying system for displayinga setting screen used for setting the projection display device,switching between restricting states of the zooming/focusing adjustingfunction restricting system being performable by selecting from asetting menu on the setting screen.
 12. The projection display deviceaccording to claim 7, further comprising a body side zooming adjustingportion and a body side focusing adjusting portion; switching betweenrestricting states of the zooming/focusing adjusting functionrestricting system being performable by operating the body side zoomingadjusting portion or the body side focusing adjusting portion andanother adjusting portion at the same time.
 13. The projection displaydevice according to claim 7, further comprising a switch specificallydesigned for switching between restricting states of thezooming/focusing adjusting function restricting system.
 14. A projectiondisplay device controllable by a remote controller, the projectiondisplay device including a light source, an optical image forming meansfor forming an optical image in accordance with image information as aresult of optically processing light beams emitted from the lightsource, and a projection lens for projecting the optical image inenlarged form, the projection display device comprising: an imageadjusting function restricting system for restricting a function of theimage adjusting portion of the remote controller for adjusting theoptical image.
 15. The projection display device according to claim 14,the optical image forming means being light valves.
 16. The projectiondisplay device according to claim 14, the optical image forming meansbeing reflective light valves.
 17. The projection display deviceaccording to claim 14, the optical image forming means being a digitalmicromirror device.
 18. The projection display device according to claim14, further comprising a setting screen displaying system for displayinga setting screen used for setting the projection display device,switching between restricting states of the image adjusting functionrestricting system being performable by selecting from a setting menu onthe setting screen.
 19. The projection display device according to claim14, further comprising a switch specifically designed for switchingbetween restricting states of the image adjusting function restrictingsystem.
 20. A remote controller for controlling a body of a projectiondisplay device, the projection display device including a light source,an optical image forming means for forming an optical image inaccordance with image information as a result of optically processinglight beams emitted from the light source, and a projection lens forprojecting the optical image in enlarged form, the remote controllercomprising: a power supply switch portion for turning on/off a powersupply of the projection display device; and a power supply switchrestricting system for restricting a function of the power supply switchportion.
 21. The remote controller according to claim 20, the opticalimage forming means being light valves.
 22. The remote controlleraccording to claim 20, the optical image forming means being reflectivelight valves.
 23. The remote controller according to claim 20, theoptical image forming means being a digital micromirror device.
 24. Theremote controller according to claim 20, the body of the projectiondisplay device comprising a setting screen displaying system fordisplaying a setting screen used for setting the body of the projectiondisplay device and, switching between restricting states of the powersupply switch restricting system being performable by selecting from asetting menu on the setting screen.
 25. The remote controller accordingto claim 20, further comprising a switch specifically designed forswitching between restricting states of the power supply switchrestricting system.
 26. A remote controller for controlling a body of aprojection display device, the projection display device including alight source, an optical image forming means for forming an opticalimage in accordance with image information as a result of opticallyprocessing light beams emitted from the light source, and a projectionlens for projecting the optical image in enlarged form, the remotecontroller comprising: a zooming adjusting portion for performingzooming adjustments on the projection lens, a focusing adjusting portionfor performing focusing adjustments on the projection lens, and azooming/focusing adjusting function restricting system for restricting afunction of the zooming adjusting portion and/or a function of thefocusing adjusting portion.
 27. The remote controller according to claim26, the optical image forming means being light valves.
 28. The remotecontroller according to claim 26, the optical image forming means beingreflective light valves.
 29. The remote controller according to claim26, the optical image forming means being a digital micromirror device.30. The remote controller according to claim 26, the body of theprojection display device comprising a setting screen displaying systemfor displaying a setting screen used for setting the projection displaydevice, and switching between restricting states of the zooming/focusingadjusting function restricting system being performable by selectingfrom a setting menu on the setting screen.
 31. The remote controlleraccording to claim 26, switching between restricting states of thezooming/focusing adjusting function restricting system being performableby operating the zooming adjusting portion or the focusing adjustingportion and another adjusting portion at the same time.
 32. The remotecontroller according to claim 26, further comprising a switchspecifically designed for switching between restricting states of thezooming/focusing adjusting function restricting system.
 33. A remotecontroller for controlling a body of a projection display device, theprojection display device including a light source, an optical imageforming means for forming an optical image in accordance with imageinformation as a result of optically processing light beams emitted fromthe light source, and a projection lens for projecting the optical imagein enlarged form, the remote controller comprising: an image adjustingportion for adjusting the optical image; and an image adjusting functionrestricting system for restricting a function of the image adjustingportion.
 34. The remote controller according to claim 33, the opticalimage forming means being light valves.
 35. The remote controlleraccording to claim 33, the optical image forming means being reflectivelight valves.
 36. The remote controller according to claim 33, theoptical image forming means being a digital micromirror device.
 37. Theremote controller according to claim 33, the body of the projectiondisplay device comprising a setting screen displaying system fordisplaying a setting screen used for setting the projection displaydevice, and switching between restricting states of the image adjustingfunction restricting system being performable by selecting from asetting menu on the setting screen.
 38. The remote controller accordingto claim 33, further comprising a switch specifically designed forswitching between restricting states of the image adjusting functionrestricting system.
 39. A remote controller for controlling a body of aprojection display device, the projection display device comprising alight source, an optical image forming means for forming an opticalimage in accordance with image information as a result of opticallyprocessing light beams emitted from the light source, and a projectionlens for projecting the optical image in enlarged form, the body of theprojection display device comprising: a body side power supply switchportion for turning on/off a power supply of the body of the projectiondisplay device; a body side zooming adjusting portion for performingzooming adjustments on the projection lens; a body side focusingadjusting portion for performing focusing adjustments on the projectionlens; and a body side image adjusting portion for adjusting the opticalimage, the remote controller comprising a body side adjusting functionrestricting system for restricting the adjusting function of at leastone of the body side power supply switch portion, the body side zoomingadjusting portion, the body side focusing adjusting portion, and thebody side image adjusting portion.
 40. The remote controller accordingto claim 39, the optical image forming means being light valves.
 41. Theremote controller according to claim 39, the optical image forming meansbeing reflective light valves.
 42. The remote controller according toclaim 39, the optical image forming means being a digital micromirrordevice.
 43. The remote controller according to claim 39, the body of theprojection display device comprising a setting screen displaying systemfor displaying a setting screen used for setting of the projectiondisplay device, and switching between restricting states of the bodyside adjusting function restricting system being performable byselecting from a setting menu on the setting screen.
 44. The remotecontroller according to claim 39, further comprising a switchspecifically designed for switching between restricting states of thebody side adjusting function restricting system.
 45. A projectiondisplay device controllable by a remote controller, the projectiondisplay device including a light source, light valves for forming anoptical image in accordance with image information as a result ofoptically processing light beams emitted from the light source, and aprojection lens for projecting the optical image in enlarged form, theprojection display device comprising: a power supply switch restrictingsystem for restricting a function of the power supply switch portion ofthe remote controller which causes a power supply to be turned on/off.46. A projection display device controllable by a remote controller, theprojection display device including a light source, light valves forforming an optical image in accordance with image information as aresult of optically processing light beams emitted from the lightsource, and a projection lens for projecting the optical image inenlarged form, the projection display device comprising: a zoomingadjusting portion for performing zooming adjustments on the projectionlens; a focusing adjusting portion for performing focusing adjustmentson the projection lens; and a zooming/focusing adjusting functionrestricting system for restricting a function of the zooming adjustingportion and/or for restricting a function of the focusing adjustingportion.
 47. A projection display device controllable by a remotecontroller, the projection display device including a light source,light valves for forming an optical image in accordance with imageinformation as a result of optically processing light beams emitted fromthe light source, and a projection lens for projecting the optical imagein enlarged form, the projection display device comprising: an imageadjusting function restricting system for restricting a function of theimage adjusting portion of the remote controller for adjusting theoptical image.
 48. A remote controller for controlling a body of aprojection display device, the projection display device including alight source, light valves for forming an optical image in accordancewith image information as a result of optically processing light beamsemitted from the light source, and a projection lens for projecting theoptical image in enlarged form, the remote controller comprising: apower supply switch portion for turning on/off a power supply of theprojection display device; and a power supply switch restricting systemfor restricting a function of the power supply switch portion.
 49. Aremote controller for controlling a body of a projection display device,the projection display device including a light source, light valves forforming an optical image in accordance with image information as aresult of optically processing light beams emitted from the lightsource, and a projection lens for projecting the optical image inenlarged form, the remote controller comprising: a zooming adjustingportion for performing zooming adjustments on the projection lens, afocusing adjusting portion for performing focusing adjustments on theprojection lens, and a zooming/focusing adjusting function restrictingsystem for restricting a function of the zooming adjusting portionand/or a function of the focusing adjusting portion.
 50. A remotecontroller for controlling a body of a projection display device, theprojection display device including a light source, light valves forforming an optical image in accordance with image information as aresult of optically processing light beams emitted from the lightsource, and a projection lens for projecting the optical image inenlarged form, the remote controller comprising: an image adjustingportion for adjusting the optical image; and an image adjusting functionrestricting system for restricting a function of the image adjustingportion.
 51. A remote controller for controlling a body of a projectiondisplay device, the projection display device comprising a light source,light valves for forming an optical image in accordance with imageinformation as a result of optically processing light beams emitted fromthe light source, and a projection lens for projecting the optical imagein enlarged form, the body of the projection display device comprising:a body side power supply switch portion for turning on/off a powersupply of the body of the projection display device; a body side zoomingadjusting portion for performing zooming adjustments on the projectionlens; a body side focusing adjusting portion for performing focusingadjustments on the projection lens; and a body side image adjustingportion for adjusting the optical image, the remote controllercomprising a body side adjusting function restricting system forrestricting the adjusting function of at least one of the body sidepower supply switch portion, the body side zooming adjusting portion,the body side focusing adjusting portion, and the body side imageadjusting portion.
 52. A projection display device controllable by aremote controller, the projection display device including a lightsource, reflective light valves for forming an optical image inaccordance with image information as a result of optically processinglight beams emitted from the light source, and a projection lens forprojecting the optical image in enlarged form, the projection displaydevice comprising: a power supply switch restricting system forrestricting a function of the power supply switch portion of the remotecontroller which causes a power supply to be turned on/off.
 53. Aprojection display device controllable by a remote controller, theprojection display device including a light source, reflective lightvalves for forming an optical image in accordance with image informationas a result of optically processing light beams emitted from the lightsource, and a projection lens for projecting the optical image inenlarged form, the projection display device comprising: a zoomingadjusting portion for performing zooming adjustments on the projectionlens; a focusing adjusting portion for performing focusing adjustmentson the projection lens; and a zooming/focusing adjusting functionrestricting system for restricting a function of the zooming adjustingportion and/or for restricting a function of the focusing adjustingportion.
 54. A projection display device controllable by a remotecontroller, the projection display device including a light source,reflective light valves for forming an optical image in accordance withimage information as a result of optically processing light beamsemitted from the light source, and a projection lens for projecting theoptical image in enlarged form, the projection display devicecomprising: an image adjusting function restricting system forrestricting a function of the image adjusting portion of the remotecontroller for adjusting the optical image.
 55. A remote controller forcontrolling a body of a projection display device, the projectiondisplay device including a light source, reflective light valves forforming an optical image in accordance with image information as aresult of optically processing light beams emitted from the lightsource, and a projection lens for projecting the optical image inenlarged form, the remote controller comprising: a power supply switchportion for turning on/off a power supply of the projection displaydevice; and a power supply switch restricting system for restricting afunction of the power supply switch portion.
 56. A remote controller forcontrolling a body of a projection display device, the projectiondisplay device including a light source, reflective light valves forforming an optical image in accordance with image information as aresult of optically processing light beams emitted from the lightsource, and a projection lens for projecting the optical image inenlarged form, the remote controller comprising: a zooming adjustingportion for performing zooming adjustments on the projection lens, afocusing adjusting portion for performing focusing adjustments on theprojection lens, and a zooming/focusing adjusting function restrictingsystem for restricting a function of the zooming adjusting portionand/or a function of the focusing adjusting portion.
 57. A remotecontroller for controlling a body of a projection display device, theprojection display device including a light source, reflective lightvalves for forming an optical image in accordance with image informationas a result of optically processing light beams emitted from the lightsource, and a projection lens for projecting the optical image inenlarged form, the remote controller comprising: an image adjustingportion for adjusting the optical image; and an image adjusting functionrestricting system for restricting a function of the image adjustingportion.
 58. A remote controller for controlling a body of a projectiondisplay device, the projection display device comprising a light source,reflective light valves for forming an optical image in accordance withimage information as a result of optically processing light beamsemitted from the light source, and a projection lens for projecting theoptical image in enlarged form, the body of the projection displaydevice comprising: a body side power supply switch portion for turningon/off a power supply of the body of the projection display device; abody side zooming adjusting portion for performing zooming adjustmentson the projection lens; a body side focusing adjusting portion forperforming focusing adjustments on the projection lens; and a body sideimage adjusting portion for adjusting the optical image, the remotecontroller comprising a body side adjusting function restricting systemfor restricting the adjusting function of at least one of the body sidepower supply switch portion, the body side zooming adjusting portion,the body side focusing adjusting portion, and the body side imageadjusting portion.
 59. A projection display device controllable by aremote controller, the projection display device including a lightsource, a digital micromirror device for forming an optical image inaccordance with image information as a result of optically processinglight beams emitted from the light source, and a projection lens forprojecting the optical image in enlarged form, the projection displaydevice comprising: a power supply switch restricting system forrestricting a function of the power supply switch portion of the remotecontroller which causes a power supply to be turned on/off.
 60. Aprojection display device controllable by a remote controller, theprojection display device including a light source, a digitalmicromirror device for forming an optical image in accordance with imageinformation as a result of optically processing light beams emitted fromthe light source, and a projection lens for projecting the optical imagein enlarged form, the projection display device comprising: a zoomingadjusting portion for performing zooming adjustments on the projectionlens; a focusing adjusting portion for performing focusing adjustmentson the projection lens; and a zooming/focusing adjusting functionrestricting system for restricting a function of the zooming adjustingportion and/or for restricting a function of the focusing adjustingportion.
 61. A projection display device controllable by a remotecontroller, the projection display device including a light source, adigital micromirror device for forming an optical image in accordancewith image information as a result of optically processing light beamsemitted from the light source, and a projection lens for projecting theoptical image in enlarged form, the projection display devicecomprising: an image adjusting function restricting system forrestricting a function of the image adjusting portion of the remotecontroller for adjusting the optical image.
 62. A remote controller forcontrolling a body of a projection display device, the projectiondisplay device including a light source, a digital micromirror devicefor forming an optical image in accordance with image information as aresult of optically processing light beams emitted from the lightsource, and a projection lens for projecting the optical image inenlarged form, the remote controller comprising: a power supply switchportion for turning on/off a power supply of the projection displaydevice; and a power supply switch restricting system for restricting afunction of the power supply switch portion.
 63. A remote controller forcontrolling a body of a projection display device, the projectiondisplay device including a light source, a digital micromirror devicefor forming an optical image in accordance with image information as aresult of optically processing light beams emitted from the lightsource, and a projection lens for projecting the optical image inenlarged form, the remote controller comprising: a zooming adjustingportion for performing zooming adjustments on the projection lens, afocusing adjusting portion for performing focusing adjustments on theprojection lens, and a zooming/focusing adjusting function restrictingsystem for restricting a function of the zooming adjusting portionand/or a function of the focusing adjusting portion.
 64. A remotecontroller for controlling a body of a projection display device, theprojection display device including a light source, a digitalmicromirror device for forming an optical image in accordance with imageinformation as a result of optically processing light beams emitted fromthe light source, and a projection lens for projecting the optical imagein enlarged form, the remote controller comprising: an image adjustingportion for adjusting the optical image; and an image adjusting functionrestricting system for restricting a function of the image adjustingportion.
 65. A remote controller for controlling a body of a projectiondisplay device, the projection display device comprising a light source,a digital micromirror device for forming an optical image in accordancewith image information as a result of optically processing light beamsemitted from the light source, and a projection lens for projecting theoptical image in enlarged form, the body of the projection displaydevice comprising: a body side power supply switch portion for turningon/off a power supply of the body of the projection display device; abody side zooming adjusting portion for performing zooming adjustmentson the projection lens; a body side focusing adjusting portion forperforming focusing adjustments on the projection lens; and a body sideimage adjusting portion for adjusting the optical image, the remotecontroller comprising a body side adjusting function restricting systemfor restricting the adjusting function of at least one of the body sidepower supply switch portion, the body side zooming adjusting portion,the body side focusing adjusting portion, and the body side imageadjusting portion.